Final answer:
A non-branching polysaccharide likely serves a role in structural support, similar to cellulose in plant cell walls, due to its rigid, linear structure that provides high tensile strength.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a newly discovered polysaccharide has no branching whatsoever, it is most likely involved in structural support. This is because linear polysaccharides, such as cellulose, provide rigidity and strength to cell walls in plants. In contrast, branched polysaccharides like glycogen and starch primarily function in energy storage, and their branching structure makes them more accessible for metabolism.
Using a molecular model kit, you can see that polysaccharides like starch and glycogen have branches, which allow for rapid release of glucose when energy is needed by the organism. The lack of branching in a polysaccharide leads to a rigid, rod-like structure due to extensive hydrogen bonding, which is critical for the high tensile strength required for cell walls and other structural components.